Around The World

Posted: December 26, 2011 - 12:08am

Around The World

WASHINGTON

The Obama administration’s cautious response to the death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il reflects unease and uncertainty about the leadership transition in the reclusive country that has confounded U.S. presidents since Harry S. Truman.

For the past 60 years, the “hermit kingdom” has vexed the United States and its allies with war, nuclear tests, missile launches, belligerence and bellicose bombast. But since he took office, President Barack Obama has had to deal with the country at perhaps its most secretive point: an unclear succession at the very top at a time of deep concern about the stability of the regime.

Thus, the administration’s carefully worded public messages have underscored the administration’s desire for better relations with the autocratic nation and its concern about the welfare of the North Korean people.

CAMP SCORPION, Afghanistan

“Attention! Attention! You are surrounded by Afghan forces. Come out with your hands up.”

The order barked by an Afghan soldier launched a training exercise last week that pitted members of the nation’s growing elite force against actors posing as Taliban fighters.

Afghanistan and the U.S.-led coalition have stepped up training of the Afghan special forces unit to fill the vacuum that will be left by foreign troops slated to end their combat mission in 2014. In the future, it will be Afghan special forces countering insurgents in villages across the country.

As the force expands, they will also lead more of the controversial house searches — something that could mitigate Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s intense opposition to the nighttime raids by international troops that Afghans have found culturally offensive.

BRIEFLY ...

• ASUNCION, Paraguay — Paraguay’s congress closed its doors last week for more than two months of paid vacation.